Exodus 19:22
Exodus 19:22 in Multiple Translations
Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.”
And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.
And let the priests also, that come near to Jehovah, sanctify themselves, lest Jehovah break forth upon them.
And let the priests who come near to the Lord make themselves holy, for fear that the Lord may come on them suddenly.
Even the priests, who come before the Lord, must prepare themselves spiritually, so that the Lord does not punish them.”
And let the Priestes also which come to the Lord be sanctified, least the Lord destroy them.
and also the priests who are coming nigh unto Jehovah do sanctify themselves, lest Jehovah break forth on them.'
Let the priests also, who come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break out on them.”
And let the priests also who come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.
The priests also that come to the Lord, let them be sanctified, lest he strike them.
Also, the priests who habitually come near me must purify themselves. If they do not do that, I will punish them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 19:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 19:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַ֧ם
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֛ים
הַ/נִּגָּשִׁ֥ים
אֶל
יְהוָ֖ה
יִתְקַדָּ֑שׁוּ
פֶּן
יִפְרֹ֥ץ
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
יְהוָֽה
וְ/גַ֧ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֛ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
הַ/נִּגָּשִׁ֥ים
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Art | V-Niphal
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יִתְקַדָּ֑שׁוּ
qâdash
H6942
to consecrate
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יִפְרֹ֥ץ
pârats
H6555
to break through
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 19:22
וְ/גַ֧ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֛ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
הַ/נִּגָּשִׁ֥ים
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Art | V-Niphal
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יִתְקַדָּ֑שׁוּ
qâdash
H6942
"to consecrate"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
To consecrate means to set something or someone apart as holy or sacred, like the priests in Exodus. This word is about making something clean or pure. It is used in the Bible to describe sacred rituals and moral purity.
Definition: : consecate/sanctify 1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated 1a2) to be hallowed 1a3) consecrated, tabooed 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 1b3) to be holy 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow 1c4) to consecrate 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be consecrated 1d2) consecrated, dedicated 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 1e3) to consecrate 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate 1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 1f3) to be observed as holy 1f4) to consecrate oneself
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 2:3; 2 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 5:16.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יִפְרֹ֥ץ
pârats
H6555
"to break through"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To break through means to burst out or force one's way, like when a baby is born or a wall is broken down. This word is used in many situations, like when God breaks through to help someone or when a crowd breaks out in violence.
Definition: 1) to break through or down or over, burst, breach 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to break or burst out (from womb or enclosure) 1a2) to break through or down, make a breach in 1a3) to break into 1a4) to break open 1a5) to break up, break in pieces 1a6) to break out (violently) upon 1a7) to break over (limits), increase 1a8) to use violence 1a9) to burst open 1a10) to spread, distribute 1b) (Niphal) to be broken through 1c) (Pual) to be broken down 1d) (Hithpael) to break away
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abroad, (make a) breach, break (away, down, -er, forth, in, up), burst out, come (spread) abroad, compel, disperse, grow, increase, open, press, scatter, urge. See also: Genesis 28:14; 2 Chronicles 25:23; Psalms 60:3.
בָּ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 19:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 19:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 19:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 19:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 19:22
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 19:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
- Sermons on Exodus 19:22
Context — The LORD Visits Sinai
20The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up,
21and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish.
22Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.”
23But Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, for You solemnly warned us, ‘Put a boundary around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’” 24And the LORD replied, “Go down and bring Aaron with you. But the priests and the people must not break through to come up to the LORD, or He will break out against them.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 24:5 | Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. |
| 2 | Acts 5:10 | At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 13:9–11 | When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 30:15 | And on the fourteenth day of the second month they slaughtered the Passover lamb. The priests and Levites were ashamed, and they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the house of the LORD. |
| 5 | Leviticus 10:1–3 | Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 30:3 | since they had been unable to observe it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 30:18–19 | A large number of the people—many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun—had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah interceded for them, saying, “May the LORD, who is good, provide atonement for everyone who sets his heart on seeking God—the LORD, the God of his fathers—even if he is not cleansed according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 52:11 | Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 6:6–8 | When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 11:30–32 | That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. |
Exodus 19:22 Summary
This verse means that even the priests, who are supposed to be closest to God, need to make sure they are pure and holy before they approach Him. If they don't, God will be displeased and might even punish them, as seen in Exodus 19:22. This reminds us that God is a holy God, as stated in Isaiah 6:3, and He wants us to be holy too, living lives that are set apart for His service, just like the priests in the Old Testament. We can apply this to our own lives by trying to live in a way that is pleasing to God, as mentioned in Colossians 1:10, and being mindful of our actions and thoughts, so we can approach God with confidence and reverence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the priests to consecrate themselves in Exodus 19:22?
Consecrating themselves means that the priests must set themselves apart for God's service, making sure they are ritually clean and holy, as seen in Leviticus 8:30, so they can approach the Lord without fear of judgment.
Why is it necessary for the priests to consecrate themselves before approaching the Lord?
The priests need to consecrate themselves because God is a holy God, as stated in Isaiah 6:3, and He requires those who approach Him to be holy as well, lest He break out against them in judgment, as mentioned in Exodus 19:22.
How does this verse relate to the concept of priesthood in the New Testament?
In the New Testament, all believers are considered priests, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9, and are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's service, just like the priests in the Old Testament, as a royal priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices to God.
What is the significance of God breaking out against the priests if they are not consecrated?
God breaking out against the priests signifies His holy and just nature, as seen in Exodus 34:7, where He will not tolerate sin or unholiness, even among those who are supposed to represent Him, and this serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life of obedience and holiness before God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to consecrate myself to God, setting myself apart for His service?
- How can I ensure that I am living a life of holiness, pleasing to God, as I approach Him in prayer and worship?
- What are some ways that I can practically apply the concept of consecration in my daily life, just like the priests in Exodus 19:22?
- In what ways can I, as a believer, offer spiritual sacrifices to God, as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:5, and live as a royal priest in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 19:22
And let the priests also, which come near unto the Lord,.... Either the firstborn, as the Jews generally interpret it, so Jarchi and Aben Ezra; who were sanctified to the Lord, and in whose stead
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 19:22
And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them. Let the priests also, which come hear to the Lord, sanctify themselves.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
For though the Aaronical priesthood was not yet appointed, it is certain, that as there were sacrifices before, so there were priests to offer them, which were either the first-born, who were consecrated to God, and did execute the office of priests, as may be gathered from 24:5 8:26, or some other persons appointed by God for doing that work till the office was settled in Aaron’ s family. Which come near to the Lord; not at this time, for both priests and people are now kept at equal distance, ; but usually: q.d. Whose duty and privilege it is to approach unto God, and to present the people’ s prayers and sacrifices to him, and therefore are here particularly admonished, because they above all others are obliged to this care, and because they might seem to claim this privilege by their function.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
Exodus 19:22 And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.Ver. 22. And let the priests.] The firstborn of the family, which before the Levitical law had the priesthood. Sanctify themselves.] With a singular care, above that of the rest of the people. Much is required of ministers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
(22) The priests.—This has been called an anachronism, since the Levitical priesthood was not as yet instituted. But the Israelites, like all other ancient tribes or races, must have had priests long ere this, appointed upon one principle or another. It is a reasonable conjecture that hitherto the heads of families had exercised sacerdotal functions. Break forth—i.e., punish in some open and manifest way. Compare the “breach” upon Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:8).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
Verse 22. Let the priests also - sanctify themselves] That there were priests among the Hebrews before the consecration of Aaron and his sons, cannot be doubted; though their functions might be in a considerable measure suspended while under persecution in Egypt, yet the persons existed whose right and duty it was to offer sacrifices to God. Moses requested liberty from Pharaoh to go into the wilderness to sacrifice; and had there not been among the people both sacrifices and priests, the request itself must have appeared nugatory and absurd. Sacrifices from the beginning had constituted an essential part of the worship of God, and there certainly were priests whose business it was to offer them to God before the giving of the law; though this, for especial reasons, was restricted to Aaron and his sons after the law had been given. As sacrifices had not been offered for a considerable time, the priests themselves were considered in a state of impurity; and therefore God requires that they also should be purified for the purpose of approaching the mountain, and hearing their Maker promulgate his laws. See Clarke on Exodus 28:1.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 19:22
22. Even the priests, whose duty it is to come near (Leviticus 21:21) to Jehovah, must sanctify themselves like the rest (vv. 10, 14), lest He make a breach in them (2 Samuel 6:8 AV., 1 Chronicles 15:13), i.e. work destruction among them. The word is quite distinct from that rendered ‘break through’ in v. 21. It appears from this passage that J recognizes priests before the legislation of Sinai—just as he recognizes similarly sacrifices and altars (e.g. Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:18; Genesis 26:25 : in P priests appear first in Leviticus 8); but the representation is hardly consistent with Exodus 32:29. 23, 24 Moses reminds Jehovah that the barriers (v. 12) will effectually prevent the people from trespassing: but he is nevertheless commanded to repeat the warning.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 19:22
The priests also - Sacrifices had hitherto been offered by firstborn, or the heads of families. See Genesis 14:18 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 19:22
22. The priests also — Here we trace the existence of priests before the institution of the Levitical priesthood.
Sermons on Exodus 19:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Fight of Faith Crowned by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches a powerful sermon on the Christian's combat and crown, emphasizing the importance of fighting the good fight of faith with courage, constancy, and the hope o |
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Emblems of Grace in the Ancient Law by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the emblems of grace found in the ancient law, emphasizing that the law served as a schoolmaster leading us to Christ, where we find justification by faith. H |
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"Old Fashioned Hell Fire Preaching" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the danger of trying to modernize or improve upon the ways of God, likening it to the mistake of trying to steady the Ark of God with human efforts. It highl |
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Finishing the Course - 02 Filling Up What Is Lacking by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people attending church meetings but not actively seeking fellowship with others. He emphasizes the importance of filling up what |
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The Fear of God (01) Introduction by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a man struggling to walk and falling down. Instead of laughing, the speaker realizes that this is an opportun |
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A Warning to Professors by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon by Jonathan Edwards, he addresses those who attend religious ordinances but continue to engage in known sins. He warns them about the mockery they are guilty of by p |
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A Silent Church Amidst a Sinful Nation by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the current state of the Christian Church, describing it as helpless and facing powers of darkness. He emphasizes that the Church has substit |